Second-gen Kia Sonet spotted testing in Haryana

Kia Sonet is set to get a generational update next year. The current version went on sale back in January 2024 as the facelifted model, when the first-gen model completed its mid-life cycle. The second-gen model is expected to arrive in India in January 2027. It was recently spotted on a road test in Haryana. While the test mule was draped in covers, it revealed some details about the upcoming SUV’s design.

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2nd-gen Kia Sonet: What do the spy shots suggest?

The cutout for the front grille suggests that its design could be similar to the one on the newly-launched 2nd-gen Seltos. The lower bumper appears smooth and clean. While the LED headlamps were completely covered, the bare LED DRLs look inspired by the Hyundai Venue. They will be integrated into the headlamps as eyebrow DRLs. Along the sides, the design of the alloy wheels has been updated to bring them up to par with newer Kia cars. The profile of the SUV appears to be unchanged. The test mule had a sunroof, but it remains to be seen whether it is a single-pane or panoramic unit. At the back, the tail lamp design has been refreshed.

The spy shots do not reveal any details about the interior of the SUV. It is rumoured that the upcoming Kia Sonet will ditch the K2 platform for the newer K1 architecture. It will significantly improve the legroom for rear seat passengers and give a boost to the SUV’s safety rating. This platform also underpins Kia Syros and Hyundai Venue. Kia will also update the dashboard of the Sonet with premium trims and a larger infotainment system. The driver’s cockpit will also feature a larger instrument cluster.

The current model flaunts 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. There’s support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on board. The newer model will retain features like the Bose audio system, 360-degree camera, and more.

On the safety front, the new model will continue to offer 6 airbags, TPMS, ESC, hill-start assist, and more standard features. It also packs a Level 1 ADAS suite with functions like lane keep assist, high beam assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and more. It remains to be seen whether Kia will update this to a Level 2 ADAS package on the 2nd-gen model.

The 2nd-gen Seltos will retain the 1.2-litre petrol engine, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, and 1.5-litre diesel engine from the current model. The petrol engine generates a maximum power output of 83hp and 115Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit puts out 120hp and 172Nm. It can be mated to an iMT or DCT gearbox. Lastly, the 1.5-litre diesel engine generates a maximum power output of 116hp and 250Nm of torque. It can be paired with a manual or automatic transmission. Kia is also developing a strong-hybrid powertrain for the Sonet, based on its 1.2-litre petrol engine. It will join the lineup in 2028 or 2029.

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Final Thoughts

The prices for the current-gen Sonet start at Rs 7.32 lakh and go up to Rs 14.17 lakh. The next-gen model will demand a premium over these prices. Upon launch, it will continue to rival the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, and Renault Kiger in India.